Theos-Talk Archives (July 2005 Message tt00207)

           Subject:          Re: ORGANlSATION OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY 
 
                                               -- LOYALTY TO ADYAR H P B
 
July 29 2005
 
 
Dear Friends
 
 
Loyalty to an IDEAL always leaves individuals and societies out of the
question. 
 
 
HPB does not claim "authority."   She claims to be a "messenger." 
Specifically a messenger from the Great and Ancient Lodge of ADEPTS.  
 
She brought in her writings, books and articles and letters a survey of the
actual history of our “creation,” our evolution, and the rules and lawsthat
govern the cooperation of all the many Units in her ENTIRETY.
 
In both ISIS UNVEILED and The SECRET DOCTRINE she disclaims any personal
authority and gives the credit for the records she transmits to the real
historians and preservers of all ancient records, the Mahatmas.
 
Since she was well aware that the Theosophical theories and hypotheses would
be received with various degrees of incredulity from the academies, she was
careful to make it clear that the information was in reality taken from the
HISTORY that the Adepts and their disciples (chelas) had recorded down the
ages.  All that she requested was "equal time" and open consideration of
what Theosophy had to offer.  [ S D  I  272 - 300 ]
 
This suggests that THEOSOPHY is not a new fangled system of collated ideas
drawn from many sources -- in fact if it were even that, then the marvel is
of HPB's mind.  And, her capacity in drawing such a vast diversity together
and showing how the many pieces hung together to form a seamless whole in
the world of ideas and concepts.  In many student's experience and wide
reading, there is no one who has written such a comprehensive view of our
world, the organization of the universe,  on the spiritual, intellectual and
psychological basis, and the part that Mankind plays in that.
 
The immortality of man's Spirit / Soul and the "God-spirit" (the Universal
DEIFIC ESSENCE), being present in every "life-atom" of our LIVING UNIVERSE,
are fundamental concepts.  
 
Everything in Nature trends in its life-experience towards a higher degree
of knowledge, wisdom, and perfection.  Each life-cycle (incarnation) is like
a separate day at school and all are drawn together by the uniting thread of
the immortal, and eternal spiritual Self which is at their core.  In fact
she shows how Theosophy traces the evolution of the "consciousness and
intelligence" of the SPIRITUAL SOUL or Monad, through many forms -- from the
atom to the human condition of independent free-will.  
 
As below, so above -- said the wise Hermes.  The Atom and the Universe
correspond in structure, movement and objectives.  They are integrated into
one vast brotherhood of sensitive and inter-protective laws.  The great and
the "small" are mutually dependent.  "Spirit" cannot exist without
"matter."  Eternal Mind -- is the witness to all progress and life.
 
This sweep and concept is one that can be traced in every one of the great
religions and philosophies of the world.  It is the record of their
existence, of their common source, and of our participation, again and
again, in those processes.  
 
Currently there is debate as to whether Theosophy has its roots in Buddhism,
Hinduism, Jainism, etc...  And the historical place of Judaism, Kabala,
Islam and Sufism is discussed and considered in many ways.  
 
The question is always asked:  'Does knowledge, wisdom, and action have
limits?"  The Universe stands as evidence that they not only do, but out
that the inter-relationship which permits diversified "life," is as ancient
as Science and philosophy are able to trace.
 
It is understood that scholars who are deeply familiar with those systems
and their development can trace the evidence and the pathways of the
development of similarities in observation and thought.  
 
However, HPB claims on behalf of the great and ancient Lodge of Adepts, that
all those were derived from the "Sanatana Dharma," the "Perennial
Philosophy." which is a record of Life's development and history which they
have observed and left records of.  [ ISIS UNVEILED Vol. 2, pp. 98-105. ]  
 
Modern "Theosophy" [the Wisdom of the Deity] claims to expose the outlines
of this system and traces these facts everywhere in the world, and in the
records of history on all continents.
 
As such, Theosophy claims to be at the root and at the origin of all the
great ancient religio-philosophical systems and provides a reason for their
development as systems of practice leading to that kind of "initiation"
which develops Wisdom in thought and mind as well as simultaneously the
application of compassion and harmlessness in motive.
 
Thus, Theosophy, is not exclusively religion, or philosophy, but also
includes science -- it is the power to investigate and record the workings
of NATURE  (Life as a Whole) in every stage and department of the world and
our Universe.
 
The sweep of the ever-present immortal Life, through cycles of evolution
lead at last to the "all-Knowingness" of the PERFECTED MAN.  
 
The designation "Mahatma" (Great Soul) is one that includes all such
self-developed men of superior knowledge and nature. It is held that every
single "monad" in our world, and our Universe is destined to eventually
enter the human stage of "freedom to think."  From there on, as we, humans
can, the power to develop further is placed squarely in our hands.  The
current test of humanity is?  will it dare to assume the responsibility? 
Will it follow Hermes' other injunction:  " Man, Know Thyself." 
 
The SECRET DOCTRINE therefore speaks of those great Initiates, the "Fathers"
and the "Guardians" of wisdom, as the intelligent guides, and assistants
that Nature employs to assist every fresh evolutionary effort, a "new Day"
of intelligent development and progress -- open without exceptions to all
beings.
 
If this is grasped the minute details and studies of specialists, while
respected, as continuing proof of the inclusive nature of Theosophy, is also
shown to be but the outer covering, to be but one way to approach to the
interior mystery of man's own mind, and its almost infinite capacities.  
 
If this infinite capacity of the human mind to grow and to understand the
most simple, as well as the most complex subjects is grasped, the more
learned will continually encourage the learners to investigate and prove for
themselves all avenues, however diverse, of information, tradition and
lore.  And that is the always growing tip of the self-enlightening Mind.  It
always widens out to that which is permanent and universal, when given a
chance to emerge from ignorance, doubt, skepticism and lethargy.
 
 
Theosophy shows us that the real energizers are OURSELVES.
 
============================
 
 
In 1877, HPB wrote in ISIS UNVEILED :
 
". . .we came into contact with certain men, endowed with such
mysterious powers and such profound knowledge that we may truly
designate them as the sages of the Orient. To their instructions we
lent a ready ear."
 
"The work now submitted to public judgment is the fruit of a somewhat
intimate acquaintance with Eastern adepts and study of their
science."
 
=================
 
Master K H in 1882 wrote to Sinnett:  [ M L  p.   ? ]
 
". . . Our [esoteric or theosophical ] doctrine . . . is now being
partially taught to Europeans for the first time."
 
=================
 
In HPB's SECRET DOCTRINE, she writes: [ I   272]
 
". . . the SECRET DOCTRINE is not a treatise, or a series of vague
theories, but contains all [the teachings] that can be given out to
the world in this century." The Secret Doctrine, 1888, Vol I, p.
xxxviii (original edition)
 
And a few lines above, one reads:
 
". . . But it will take centuries before much more is given from it
[the Secret Archaic Doctrine]. . . . "
 
 
So did not HPB give out the teachings of the Masters?
 
If so, her presentation is the original one in modern times.
 
All later presentations are in that sense secondary (immediately
derived from something original, primary, or basic).
 
 
Madame Blavatsky wrote in THE SECRET DOCTRINE: 
 
"Mistakes have now to be checked by the ORIGINAL teachings and 
corrected." caps added
 
 
In 1891, HPB wrote  [MY BOOKS ] :
 
". . . every word of [esoteric] information found in this work [Isis
Unveiled] or in my later writings, comes from the teachings of our
Eastern Masters [Master KH, Master M and others]; and . . . many a
passage in these works has been written by me under their dictation
[of the “Masters”].
 
In PATH Magazine a certificate from each of the Masters is reprinted [ Vol.
8, 00 1-3]  There They state they have inspired, reviewed and corrected all
that H P B wrote, and in particular regard to the SECRET DOCTRINE they state
it is “their triple production.” 
 
Theosophy is the only system of thought that invites deep study,
investigation, testing and trial through each student’s application to his
own life and capacity of thought and intuitive discrimination.
 
Best wishes, 
 
Dallas
==================
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Etzion 
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2005 9:34 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: ORGANlSATION OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY -- LOYALTY TO ADYAR H
P B
 
I think, that the real attitude of a person who aspire to tread the
spiritual Path, is not only for personal accomplishment, which is good, of
course, but of becoming a better vehicle of serving the world. 
 
 
If this is not our first love - serving the creation - we are liable to fall
into the worst pit, which is the formation of the *spiritual ego*. Meaning,
the limited, provisional individual, thinks that he is *advancing
spiritually*. 
 
 
It is easy seeing this while viewing others - but not with judgmental eye -
this is another pithole - but with the humble wish of taking the right
steps. 
 
 
There is no safe way of crossing the Path without focusing on Divine Love,
its other name is your Higher Self. 
 
 
If this will be your compass, you will never fail; you will make mistakes,
obviously, since the veil of ignorance which we all have created upon the
window of our consciousness is thick and opaque. 
 
 
The Voice of the Silence reaches your conscious mind somewhat twisted,
somewhat vague, hence our comprehension and decision making is not perfect. 
 
 
Read the history of spiritual and religious movements - why there are so
many troubles? They are all sincere people aspiring for the Truth, isn't it?
It is all due to this problem - where the focus is. 
 
 
Make a fresh start, so your aspiration of clearing the window of your
conscious mind is for the sole object of serving humanity under the
protection of Divine Love. Thus you will never fail, and your mistakes will
be proven as excellent lessons. 
 
 
None of these words are mine, but an adaptation of the wisdom of the great
Masters, the manifestations of Divine Love on earth. 
 
 
Best wishes,
 
 Etzion